Detection of Cadherin 12 in Plasma and Peritoneal Fluid Among Women with Endometriosis Using Novel Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging (SPRi) Method

<b>Background:</b> Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease linked to significant diagnostic challenges. Cadherin 12 (CDH12), as a member of adhesion molecules, is supposed to be involved in the pathogenesis of this disease and therefore can be a potential biomarker candidate. <b>Methods:</b> In this study, we analyzed the concentration of CDH12 in plasma and peritoneal fluid samples collected from women with endometriosis and controls, using surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi). We collected plasma samples from 96 women and peritoneal fluid from 73 women after laparoscopy due to symptoms/ultrasound findings suggestive of endometriosis. The diagnosis was confirmed histologically. In the collected samples, we measured the concentrations of CDH12 using a novel technique utilizing an SPRi biosensor. <b>Results:</b> We found that peritoneal fluid CDH12 concentrations were lower in women with infertility compared to fertile women. However, we observed no differences in concentration of CDH12 between endometriosis and control groups in both plasma and peritoneal fluid. Additionally, in a study group of patients with confirmed endometriosis, we observed a significant positive correlation of CDH12 concentrations with patients' age. Overall, plasma concentrations of CDH12 were significantly greater as compared to levels found in peritoneal fluid. <b>Conclusion:</b> Cadherin 12 has not been confirmed to show direct diagnostic potential for endometriosis using the SPRi method, at least in our cohort of patients.